'Lethal Weapon' - The Chicago Sun-Times: "In a movie with the energy of this one, we're exhilarated by the sheer freedom of movement; the violence becomes surrealistic and less important than the movie's underlying energy level."

'The Passion of the Christ' - L.A. Weekly said: "Gibson has made a big, bold, nightmarishly beautiful film not just about the dawn of the Christian faith, but about the awful tendency of human communities (wherever and whenever in the world they may exist) toward self-preservation, intolerance and mob rule."

'Maverick' - The Boston Globe said: "Entertaining set pieces, the lively give-and-take of Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner and a playful affection for old Westerns carry 'Maverick' past some soft spots and emphasize its adult wit and intelligence."

'Apocalypto' - Variety said: "Mel Gibson is always good for a surprise, and his latest is that 'Apocalypto' is a remarkable film. Set in the waning days of the Mayan civilization, the picture provides a trip to a place one's never been before, offering hitherto unseen sights of exceptional vividness and power."

'Ransom' - The New York Times said: "Mr. [Ron] Howard has made 'Ransom' in the same clean, swift, logical style that sent his 'Apollo 13' into orbit, resulting in a spellbinding crime tale that delivers surprises right down to the wire."

'The Beaver' - Salon.com said: "I suppose the perfect ending to the chapter would be to report that 'The Beaver' is a masterpiece. It isn't quite, but it does offer an astonishing and resonant performance by Gibson, who spends most of the movie playing two simultaneous characters, often in the same shot."

'Lethal Weapon 2' - The Chicago Sun-Times said: "'Lethal Weapon 2' is that rarity—a sequel with most of the same qualities as the original. I walked into the movie with a certain dread. But this is a film with the same off-center invention and wild energy as the original."

'The Man Without a Face' - The Washington Post said: "Mel Gibson reminds us that he doesn't need one-liners and explosive special effects to warrant our attention. Gibson, as actor and first-time director, is not only self-assured in these dual roles, but he seems relieved to let the drama carry him, rather than the reverse. The result is a movie that's both heartwarming and heart-wrenching."

'The Year of Living Dangerously' - The Boston Globe said: "The movie masterfully evokes, through stunning direction and magnificent performances, the heat and passion of desperate people living in desperate times."

'Gallipoli' - The New York Times said: "Mr. [Peter] Weir's work has a delicacy, gentleness, even wispiness that would seem not well suited to the subject. And yet his film has an uncommon beauty, warmth and immediacy, and a touch of the mysterious, too."

'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior' - The Chicago Sun-Times said: "The experience is frightening, sometimes disgusting, and (if the truth be told) exhilarating. This is very skillful filmmaking, and 'Mad Max 2' is a movie like no other."

'Daddy's Home 2' - The AV Club said: "Like the passable original, this formulaic comedy can’t stop teasing the possibility of a funnier, smarter movie being made with the exact premise, central conflicts, and stars."

'Tequila Sunrise' - Time said: "As handsome and slack muscled as a surfer past his prime, the movie renounces ambiguity for confusion. In the end, like an old set of tires or a frayed friendship, 'Tequila Sunrise' just wears out."